LGBTQ News Links

100+ LGBTQ Black Women You Should Know: The Epic Black History https://www.autostraddle.com/100-black-lesbian-bisexual-queer-and-transgender-women-you-should-know-225375/In honor of Black History Month, you’ll find over 100 lesbian, bisexual, gay, queer and transgender women you should know about. If she was still alive, the oldest person in this list would be 189 years old. The youngest person on this list is a mere 21 years of age. Like all our lists of this sort, this post aims to contain a wide variety of humans of all ages and backgrounds, from reality TV show stars (despite its numerous failings, Reality TV has been a major mainstream source of LGBTQ visibility dating back to the early ’90s) to State Representatives to actresses to game-changing activists.

Growing Up Queer and Muslim Can Be Terrifying. That's Why I'm Telling My Storyhttps://www.them.us/story/growing-up-queer-muslim”I can’t stress enough how much I needed a story like mine when I was younger, how desperately I craved some affirmation that my faith and my sexuality didn’t contradict each other. I hope that if there’s a Muslim kid reading this and they’re questioning who they are, this can be that story for them. I hope they know that they are valid and heard, and that they are not alone. I have a lot of fear and qualms when it comes to talking about myself, but if it can help anyone, it makes every bit of worry or discomfort well worth it.”

Many LGBTQ Youth Don’t Identify with Traditional Sexual Identity Labelshttps://today.uconn.edu/2019/02/many-lgbtq-youth-not-identify-traditional-sexual-identity-labels/#We should be mindful to ask the identities of our participants because it matters for their health and their experiences. The other thing folks can do is just ask and be open about changing terms. What we see is a growing number of young people and adults coming out and feeling free to tell other people about their sexual identity. We need to ask and be open to what our teens’ sexual identities are, because if we don’t know they’re out there, we don’t know how to help them.

Is Queer OK to Say? Here’s Why We Use Ithttps://www.tolerance.org/magazine/is-queer-ok-to-say-heres-why-we-use-it?utm_source=Teaching+Tolerance&utm_campaign=5f1e28b3d4-Newsletter+2-12-2019&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a8cea027c3-5f1e28b3d4-94646607Queer dates back to at least the catalyzed LGBTQ rights movement after the Stonewall Riots in 1969, after which people began to wear the word as a badge of honor. To say, literally, “We’re here. We’re queer. Get used to it.” To demand to no longer be left in the margins, to demand that we redefine what is “normal” and what is strange—queer’s original meaning and the reason it was placed upon so many people like a scarlet letter. Having these discussions about identity, inevitably, will cause discomfort. Terms change. Meanings shift. And it is hard to divorce our history and pain from the word queer. But in conjunction with scholars, activists, civil rights organizations and an increasing number of people within the LGBTQ community, we hope to use the word queer as a beacon of representation and a push toward empowerment.

Bisexual Vs Pansexual? What's The Difference?https://www.minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/sexuality-info/item/647-bisexual-vs-pansexualIs there anything wrong with using one over the other?No! Not at all!!Just remember that you preferring one term doesn’t make the other one bad, and don’t assume that everyone who uses that term means it in a bad way. Not everyone who is bisexual is clueless about non-binary things, and not everyone who is pansexual believes in being “gender blind”. If you're defining your identity as how it's better than someone else's, you can really hurt people. They're both legitimate identities, and there's plenty of good reasons to use either term for yourself.

Let’s Talk About NonbinaryHow are you affirming nonbinary students in your classroom?https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/lets-talk-about-nonbinaryTo better understand nonbinary identity, think of a favorite image. Now consider the difference between how it would look as a silhouette, a black and white photograph and an oil painting. Just as a gender binary divides people into male and female, a silhouette divides an image into two colors. Every part of the image is either black or white; there is no in between, and the boundaries between the two colors are crisp and clearly defined.The gender spectrum is more like the photograph. Parts of the image may be black or white, but there are also splashes of light, deep shadows and an incredible range of shades between the two. It’s difficult to say where one ends and another begins. Those who see gender as a spectrum see a range of possible gender identities between male and female. Phrases like “masculine of center” and “feminine of center” explain where different identities fall on the spectrum.Here’s where it gets interesting: Nonbinary gender forsakes both the binary and the spectrum. In the analogy, it is more like the painting. Black and white may be present, but they are two colors out of many. And like an oil painting, nonbinary gender is experienced in an endless variety of textures, colors and shapes. It is vivid, three-dimensional and boundless.

You Don’t Always Transition Oncehttps://www.autostraddle.com/you-dont-always-transition-once-446659/Timelines are magic; they evoke the wonder of metamorphosis. A boy is put in a hat. The wand of estrogen is waved (this is not optional). A girl hops out, smiling, bright and beautiful. The audience claps, and the applause is fueled at least as much by longing as it is by admiration. We want to find ourselves in that hat. We want to have the wand waved so we can pop out, perfect. The way we were supposed to be.But like any magic, the hat obscures; the metamorphosis is an illusion. We salivate over the transformation in the instant it takes us to glance from one photo to the next. To us, on the other side of the veil, it’s gratifyingly quick. We don’t see what happens in the hat. If we did, it wouldn’t be a timeline. It would be life.The true metamorphosis is cramped, sweaty, uncomfortably stuck in a cocoon to gestate for who knows how long. Each tear shed is a drop in the bucket for the alchemy it takes to complete the trick. Each frustrated grunt punctuates the time that passes, not in those magical befores and afters, but in the concrete incubation period between now and later. So, so, so very much later.

My Personal Pronouns. Pronouns Matter.https://www.mypronouns.org/Often, people make assumptions about the gender of another person based on the person’s appearance or name. These assumptions aren’t always correct, and the act of making an assumption (even if correct) sends a potentially harmful message -- that people have to look a certain way to demonstrate the gender that they are or are not.Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them. Just as it can be offensive or even harassing to make up a nickname for someone and call them that nickname against their will, it can be offensive or harassing to guess at someone’s pronouns and refer to them using those pronouns if that is not how that person wants to be known. Or, worse, actively choosing to ignore the pronouns someone has stated that they go by could imply the oppressive notion that intersex, transgender, non binary, and gender nonconforming people do not or should not exist.

​Best Practices For LGBTQ Studentshttps://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/best-practices-for-serving-lgbtq-studentsTo feel safe and to feel seen. To feel valued and capable of growth. These are simple concepts—basic pillars of student achievement and the results of good pedagogy.For many queer students these rights remain out of reach. But LGBTQ students who go to school in a fully inclusive environment—where both curriculum and school wide policies value their identities—experience more positive outcomes. They also experience less harassment, feel more valued by school staff and face fewer barriers to success.We also know that an LGBTQ-inclusive school benefits all students. Seeing LGBTQ identities valued in the classroom, in the curriculum and in day-to-day interactions inspires empathy, understanding and respect.With this guide, we hope to help school leaders ensure that all students feel safe, seen and capable of success; to ensure that the curriculum is as complete and representative as possible; to ensure that the school climate fosters open and respectful dialogue among all students and staff; and to prepare youth to engage and thrive within our diverse democracy.

​What Our Skeletons Say About the Sex Binaryhttps://www.sapiens.org/body/intersex-biological-sex/“The famous cases of strong, athletic, and audacious female athletes who have had their careers derailed by the Olympic “gender tests” exemplify how misguided it is to classify sex or gender as binary. These women are, like all of us, part of a sex spectrum, not a sex binary. The more we as a society recognize that, the less we will humiliate and unnecessarily scrutinize people—and the less discriminatory our world will be.”

​Transgender people and suicidehttps://www.suicideinfo.ca/resource/transgender-people-suicide/Protective FactorsMembership in Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) or other school supportsSupportive and strong relationships with family and friendsCompleted medical transition (if transition is desired)Effective mental health care and health careConnection to trans communityPride in one’s own gender identitySelf-awareness and acceptance

Ms., Mr. or Mx.? Nonbinary teachers embrace gender-neutral honorifichttps://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/ms-mr-or-mx-nonbinary-teachers-embrace-gender-neutral-honorific-n960456Our teachers deserve a safe space as well. Respecting and honouring their names and pronouns is a step in that direction!Mx., generally pronounced as “mix,” has grown in popularity over the past few years, as more people outwardly and openly identify as transgender, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary — and have rejected the idea that only two options, male and female, exist.

​Equity, Period.https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/spring-2019/equity-periodJoin the movement to destigmatize menstruation and make schools more accommodating for all students who experience it.To ensure the inclusion of transgender students—who may or may not be out—it’s important that teachers are thoughtful when speaking about menstruating bodies. Not all women menstruate, and not only women menstruate. Teachers must acknowledge that transgender students may have a hard time managing menstruation while escaping negative attention that could put them at risk of harm.

​Don't Force Your Kids To Hug And Kiss Relatives Pediatrician Sayshttps://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/12/03/forced-affection-holidays-kids-family"If you force children to hug or kiss someone who they may not know very well, then they're not having a say in the decision on who to show their affection to. And then they begin to feel that showing this affection is expected at someone else's asking, and that their feelings and thoughts don't really matter on the issue, which is not a very positive experience for them."

​Their Truth to Tellhttps://slate.com/human-interest/2018/11/lgbtq-allyship-kids-privacy-acceptance.htmlFor kids who identify as LGBTQ, the dangers of their gender identity or sexual orientation being shared without their explicit consent are much higher. There’s the bullying that more than one-third of LGBTQ kids face on school property, for example, and the growing number of homicides and other hate crimes against the LGBTQ community. And there’s the fact that one in four LGBTQ kids are thrown out of their own homes just for coming out to their parents.

​What Our Skeletons Say About the Sex Binaryhttps://www.sapiens.org/body/intersex-biological-sex/“The famous cases of strong, athletic, and audacious female athletes who have had their careers derailed by the Olympic “gender tests” exemplify how misguided it is to classify sex or gender as binary. These women are, like all of us, part of a sex spectrum, not a sex binary. The more we as a society recognize that, the less we will humiliate and unnecessarily scrutinize people—and the less discriminatory our world will be.”

Bi (In)visibility: A REFLECTION ON IDENTITIES OUTSIDE THE BINARYhttps://www.wakemag.org/exclusives-1/2018/11/5/bi-invisibilitySexuality truly is fluid, and some people may identify as bisexual, then gay, or any number of other labels along their personal journey, bisexuality is still a legitimate sexuality that many people identify as throughout their lives.

​It’s OK To Use “They” To Describe One Person: Here’s Whyhttps://www.dictionary.com/e/they-is-a-singular-pronoun/They is not only a plural pronoun.This chameleon word is also a singular pronoun, and it has been for centuries. Etymologists estimate that as far back as the 1300s, they has been used as a gender neutral pronoun, a word that was substituted in place of either he (a masculine singular pronoun) or she (a feminine singular pronoun).

​Workplaces Need to Prepare for the Non-Binary Futurehttps://www.thedailybeast.com/workplaces-need-to-prepare-for-the-non-binary-futureMillennials now make up over one-third of the American workforce, according to the Pew Research Center. And a large fraction of millennials—perhaps as many as 12 percent, by GLAAD’s latest measure—identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.Employers are going to have to adjust their approach to gender—and fast.

“Prior to starting this project, I heard from several younger trans people that they had never seen images of older transgender people and that they had no roadmap for what their life might look like going forward,” she said. “I wanted to create this project for them, as well as to record and validate the experiences of older transgender people, many of whom are directly responsible for the world we live in today.”

Helping Young People Stay Afloat: A Qualitative Study of Community Resources and Supports for LGBTQ Adolescents in the US and Canadahttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100798/#!po=70.9790Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) at school were a subset of LGBTQ youth-serving organizations that were distinguished by their association with schools, allowing for connection with supportive peers and adults who were consistently and easily accessible (in contrast to a drop-in center that might be visited less frequently or have a rotating staff). GSAs were often seen as a significant source of support for LGBTQ youth, meeting a need that was not available in the community more broadly. When asked where they might take an LGBTQ friend in need of support, one participant responded:I think I’d take them to the school… because really the [GSA] is the only thing that I know of, and it’s really supportive…. If someone comes in and they have a problem we’re, like, all right. Come here and we’ll comfort you. (pansexual, trans, European, rural, age 17, British Columbia)

Rainbow Railroad Station Aims to Bring Persecuted LGBT Refugees to Calgaryhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/rainbow-railroad-calgary-1.4793050The Rainbow Railroad Station will raise money to sponsor people fleeing persecution for their sexual orientation and gender expression around the world. Once they've arrived in Canada, the organization will support the newcomers to settle in Calgary.The station was formed with support from Rainbow Railroad, an international organization headquartered in Toronto, but will operate independently in Calgary. The Toronto-based group will refer cases of LGBT people, who have escaped life-threatening situations, to the Calgary station.

How to Use Gender Neutral Wordshttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-use-gender-neutral-wordsGender inclusive language isn’t typically something you learn in school, but its use is incredibly important to make life easier for non-binary peers. Many nonbinary people aren’t as vocal about their identity and pronouns as others. You can’t know someone’s gender by looking at them.

Two-Spirit Grandmother Advocates to Eliminate Homophobiahttp://anishinabeknews.ca/2018/07/30/two-spirit-grandmother-advocates-to-eliminate-homophobia/Teresa Sims, a Two-Spirit grandmother, is making it her mission to deliver the message that it’s time to eliminate homophobia and allow Two-Spirit people to reclaim their proper place in First Nations’ culture. L to R: Theresa Sims, Lori George, assistant director at Wulaawsuwiikaan Healing Lodge, Jason George, lodge program coordinator.“Two-Spirit people were accepted and even honoured in the traditions of First Nations, and they should not be afraid to come out and be part of Indigenous society today,” explained Sims.The concept of being Two-Spirit in that it is not the same as dominant cultural ideas of hetero-, homo-, or bi-sexuality. Two-Spirit people can “see and feel both sides”, but the idea is not all about a person’s sexuality. Two-Spirits can have any sexual orientation, she says, and the idea that these matters are only about sexual preference is not part of Indigenous culture.

"Steven Universe" Creator Rebecca Sugar Had No Idea the Series Would Become So Belovedhttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/steven-universe-rebecca-sugar"I think it's strange that media for children doesn't tell you that it's OK to be confused," she said. "It's OK to question, it's OK to not have everything figured out, and it's OK that you might never have everything figured out because who does? The reality is that everyone can change, everyone can be flexible, and everyone can go through being confused and wanting to learn. If you make a mistake, that’s not necessarily bad and that’s something you can use as a chance to grow. Please feel free to explore who you are, and what this world is. It’s going to be messy and confusing and that’s OK."

How Transgender People Choose Their Nameshttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-transgender-people-choose-their-namesMany transgender people choose new names to go by before, during, or after their transition to their true gender, whether it’s because their dead name (given to a person at birth) is too masculine or feminine, too binary, or just doesn’t fit them anymore.There are bumps in the road that someone might encounter even after they've changed their name legally.So how do you even begin to pick a name you’ll go by for the rest of your life? Teen Vogue asked 16 transgender people about how they chose the names they go by today. Some used baby name books while others were inspired by deeper meanings and translations behind their names. Here are their stories filled with self-love.

Steven Universe Creator Has Done More for LGBTQ Visibility Than you Might knowhttps://ew.com/tv/2018/08/13/steven-universe-rebecca-sugar-lgbtq-cartoons/“We need to let children know that they belong in this world. You can’t wait to tell them that until after they grow up or the damage will be done. You have to tell them while they’re still children that they deserve love and that they deserve support and that people will be excited to hear their story. When you don’t show any children stories about LGBTQIA characters and then they grow up, they’re not going to tell their own stories because they’re gonna think that they’re inappropriate, and they’re going to have a very good reason to think that because they’ve been told that through their entire childhood. Realizing that changed everything for me.” Rebecca Suga

Here’s What It’s Like To Get Your Period When You’re Not A Womanhttps://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5b75ac1fe4b0182d49b1c2ed?utm_source=qv_fb&utm_medium=facebook&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000050&utm_campaign=hp_fb_pagesAt the end of the day, we cannot effectively rid the world of the period taboo unless we are doing so for all menstruators. Those of us who get our periods while not identifying as women deserve the same safety, access and comfort as anyone else who is menstruating. All that I want is to be able to walk into a store and buy tampons free of judgment, to change out my pads without worrying about my own safety in the bathroom, and to be included in a conversation that deeply impacts the body that I was born in, regardless of whether or not I am a woman.

500 Queer Scientists raises the visibility of queer scientists500 Queer Scientists is intended to shine a light on the incredible individuals working in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and STEM-supporting jobs. Built on individual, self-submitted stories that raise the visibility of queer scientists and their allies, the movement has three primary goals: to ensure that the next STEM generation has LGBTQ+ role models; to help the current generation recognize they’re not alone; and to create a database that helps to facilitate better diversity among speakers and panelists.https://www.advocate.com/people/2018/7/19/500-queer-scientists-make-your-day-smarter#media-gallery-media-0

Making Spaces for AcesAs a young adult in the midst of questioning my a/sexuality, I had never met another ace person, nor had I even seen one on TV. I only knew that asexuality was even an option because I had accidentally stumbled on the Asexual Visibility and Education Network during a night of aimless internet browsing. Before then, I had no way to know why I couldn’t figure out if I was gay or straight or just a weird inhuman robot.http://www.dailycal.org/2018/06/27/making-space-aces-pride/

"Boy or girl?"Parents Raising 'theybies' Let kids Decide.Their Cambridge home is littered with toys that come from both the girls’ and the boys’ aisles — a dollhouse, a play gym, a bedroom full of stuffed animals, a basket of dolls. Their parents want to foster an environment of openness where the twins feel loved whether they grow up to identify as LGBTQ or not. That means learning to see their children simply as “kids” rather than as “boys” or “girls,” and encouraging others to do the same.That’s not always easy, or comfortable, in a gendered world. Family, friends and day care workers struggle with they/them pronouns, and not everyone understands the Sharpes’ decision to keep the children’s sex private.https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/boy-or-girl-parents-raising-theybies-let-kids-decide-n891836

How To Use Gender Neutral PronounsWhy use gender-neutral pronouns?There are a lot of good reasons to get into the habit of using gender-neutral pronouns, but here are the two big ones:You can refer to individuals or groups of people without assuming (or guessing) their gender—and without assuming they’re men or women. (Gender is not a binary.)When you know that a person uses gender-neutral pronouns, it’ll be easier for you to use those pronouns naturally, without having to “translate” in your head before you speak.​​https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-gender-neutral-pronouns-1821239054?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=Lifehacker_twitter

Trans Kids Massively Benefit From Being Allowed To Socially Transition• When kids are allowed to transition, including the use of puberty blockers, it improves their mental health.• When parents affirm their kids’ gender identities, they have normative rates of depression and anxiety.• When families reject their kids’ gender identities, it increases the likelihood of their suicidality and substance abuse.• Transgender kids identify as completely with their gender identity as their cisgender peers.​https://thinkprogress.org/trans-kids-socially-transition-study-529f34c1bb3b/

Navigating the World of Boys When You’re Gender NonconformingI think that any one group who fits in with society’s expectations should learn about other groups. Learning about different gender identities or expressions is very important. But I also think that people who are mostly gender conforming can still talk to their parents about ways that they do differ from society’s expectations for gender. Again, I don’t think anyone completely fits in. A boy who’s a jock and enjoys video games might still enjoy something like cooking.https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/navigating-a-world-of-boys-when-youre-gender-nonconforming.html

Tips for Allies of Transgender PeopleThe following are tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and cannot include all the "right" things to do or say because often there is no one "right" answer to every situation you might encounter.https://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies

Here’s our guide on what pronouns are, why they matter, and how to use new ones and support your trans friends!http://minus18.org.au/pronounsWhen you come out as trans, people sometimes take a while to adjust to your new pronouns, or don’t quite understand. So we launched a new campaign to help! An article that introduces the topic, a video with a rundown from trans young people, and a web app where you can learn and practice pronouns!Filmed Marco FinkJess Panczel

Why LGBTQ+ Education Needs to Start Before High SchoolThe middle school’s first GSA meeting was a success, with at least 20 kids attending and half identifying as straight. Cupcakes were devoured, new acquaintances were made, and others made the shift from acquaintances to friends. There were kids all over the gender and sexuality spectrum.The slideshow introduced the GSA’s mission and goals, and included a link to a supplemental website the kids created. The one at the second meeting was a game show that tested knowledge of gender and sexuality terminology.https://www.them.us/story/lgbtq-education-needs-to-start-before-high-school

Ontario issues first non-binary 'X' birth certificateA Vancouver filmmaker and writer has received Ontario’s first non-binary birth certificate.Ontario-born Joshua M. Ferguson identifies as non-binary trans and uses the pronouns “they” and “them.”Ontario says it is the first jurisdiction in the world to implement a two-fold policy, allowing the selection of either male, female or non-binary, and allowing the option of not displaying such identification on a birth certificate.https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/ontario-issues-first-non-binary-x-birth-certificate-1.3918536

Province introduces third gender option on identification, removes hurdles for changing markersAlbertans who do not identify as male or female, or who prefer that their gender does not appear on their identification, may now select the ‘X’ option on their provincially issued driver’s licences, identification cards and vital statistics records.“It matters how we treat one another,” said Premier Rachel Notley in a released statement. “By introducing an “X” marker on official documents, we are responding to concerns of the community and advancing equality for all Albertans, regardless of gender identity or expression.”https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mobile/province-introduces-third-gender-option-on-identification-removes-hurdles-for-changing-markers-1.3965911

New Heritage Minute tells story of LGBT couple's fight for legal recognitionAs part of the popular Heritage Minute series, the organization focused on the country's history, produced a one-minute story about Jim Egan."Those heritage minutes are critical to understanding us as Canadians," Dias said, which is why, he said, it's so critical that the LGBT stories be a part of the Historica Canada's collection and Egan's journey is a good place to start.https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4701323?__twitter_impression=true

Heritage Minute: Jim Egan’s Journey

Today’s Masculinity Is StiflingHe walked the half block to school with a bounce in his step, chest proud. “My friends are going to say dresses aren’t for boys,” he told me casually over his shoulder. “They might,” I agreed. “You can just tell them you are comfortable with yourself and that’s all that matters.” I thought of all the other things he could tell them. I began to list them, but he was off running across the blacktop.In the afternoon, he was still wearing the unicorn dress. He skipped down the sidewalk, reporting that some kids had protested his attire, but he’d assured them that he was comfortable with himself.https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/imagining-a-better-boyhood/562232/

Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBT TeensTeens feel secure enough in who they are and share that information with loved ones. It takes courage and strength for a young person to share who they are inside, especially for teens who are unsure of how their families will respond. They may fear disappointing or angering their families, or in some instances may fear being physically harmed or thrown out of their homes. In most cases, parents need time to deal with the news. While it may take them days, weeks or many months to come to terms with their child's sexuality or gender identity, it is important for parents to show love and support for their child, even if they don't fully understand everything. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/Four-Stages-of-Coming-Out.aspx

Non-Binary Folks Share Advice for Coming Out as Gender Non-Conforming and Accepting YourselfSimply put, gender non-forming is “a term used to describe some people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity.” Similar terms like genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, and gender variant express the recognition of a gender spectrum that exists beyond the male/female binary.Another important distinction is the difference between sex and gender, two concepts often used interchangeably with each other. Sex is simply the medical assignment made at birth based on a baby’s external anatomy. Gender however, is how you feel inside, your sense of self. Sex and gender are entirely separate from sexuality/orientation, which is about who you are(or aren’t) sexually or romantically attracted to.https://www.themarysue.com/gender-non-conforming-coming-out/

Making Your School a Safe Space for LGBTQ StudentsI remember the first time that I read about someone who loved like I do. My palms started to sweat, and I realized for the first time in my life that I was exactly who I was supposed to be. This moment literally changed my outlook on my own life. So many LGBTQ students yearn for this moment, but unfortunately schools have not always been a place where they can have it. Many kids struggle through their time in school, not feeling welcome and also not feeling safe. However, schools can make a difference. The five strategies below provide action-oriented practices that can positively impact your LGBTQ students’ experience while they are in school.https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/create-inclusive-environment-for-lgbt-students/

The Healing History Of Two-Spirit, A Term That Gives LGBTQ Natives A VoiceIn the early 1990s, Little Thunder helped create the term “two-spirit,” an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ Native Americans. She vowed she would not return home “until all of my two-spirit brothers and sisters were welcome.”Years later, on a cold October night in 2016, Little Thunder sat in car headed south on Highway 1806 from Bismarck, North Dakota. As the car slowed down and pulled up to a security gate at the #NoDAPL resistance camp, the elder rolled down her window and asked a young volunteer where she could find the two-spirit camp. That weekend, Little Thunder and other two-spirit leaders were officially welcomed by the Oceti Sakowin leadership in a grand entry ceremony organized by Lakota activist Candi Brings Plenty. It was the first time Little Thunder had been home in 32 years. https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5b37cfbce4b007aa2f809af1?ncid=engmodushpmg00000003

Why I had a hard time calling my transgender child ‘they’ — and why I’m doing it anywayLike many parents of transgender people, I had to educate myself about my child’s identity and how I could best support them. One stumbling block was that embracing my child’s identity meant changing my language.But more than anything else, back when I still stumbled over each “they,” I realized that the tiny jolt I felt each time my mind readjusted was a miniature echo and essential reminder of the hundreds of instances of disrespect, discrimination, harassment, hatred and violence that transgender people experience every day. A recent survey by the Human Rights Campaign and the University of Connecticut of more than 12,000 LGBTQ teens found that only 1 in 5 transgender teens says they are always called by their correct pronouns in school. Not calling people by their correct names is not a small thing. It’s a denial and a dismissal of their own deep sense of who they are.If parents would let themselves feel proud and amazed, instead of scared, when their kids grow and change, they might just grow and change themselves. And if they’re very lucky, their kids, like mine, will help the world grow and change, too.https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/07/09/why-i-had-a-hard-time-calling-my-transgender-child-they-and-why-im-doing-it-anyway/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3b1f19fe8d08